JP2009509681A - Napkin / tool combination holder - Google Patents

Abstract

  A napkin ring structure that holds a napkin and also supports food utensils such as knives, forks, spoons, and chopsticks. The napkin ring structure has a receiving area that supports one or more devices, and there are at least one holding element, often two holding elements on either side of the receiving area, which hold elements from the receiving area. It is configured to prevent the meal utensils from moving. The receiving area is often located above the napkin.

Description

This application was filed on September 28, 2006 as a PCT international patent application in the name of Lisa Paulson, an applicant seeking designation for all countries. The priority of US utility patent application No. 11/239193 filed on the day is claimed.
The present disclosure is directed to a tableware, specifically a napkin / tool holder.

Napkin ring structures are a common item found on many dining tables. The napkin ring structure makes the napkin look elegant without having to fold the meal napkin beautifully. The napkin ring structure is a decorative feature and changing to a different napkin ring structure can change the overall atmosphere of the table, regardless of whether it is a formal setting or a more casual setting. The napkin ring provides a specific location for placing the napkin.
Tool holders are also often found on many dining tables. The tool holder provides a surface on which to place or place a tool, such as a knife, chopsticks or the like. These holders increase the cleanliness of the table by providing a location other than the table surface on which dirty utensils are placed.

  The present disclosure is directed to a napkin ring structure or apparatus that also supports meal utensils such as knives, forks, spoons, and chopsticks. The napkin ring structure has a receiving area that supports one or more tools. The receiving area is defined between the first holding element and the second holding element, the holding elements being configured to prevent the eating utensil (s) from slipping or sliding off the receiving area. Is done. The receiving area is arranged above the napkin. In one design, the receiving area is configured such that the dining utensils (s) are placed generally parallel to the napkin held within the ring structure. In the second design, the receiving area is configured such that the eating utensil (s) is placed at right angles to the napkin. In a third design, the receiving area is configured such that the dining utensils (s) are positioned at an angle with respect to the napkin and generally at an angle of about 5 to 45 degrees with respect to the napkin.

  The present invention is directed to an apparatus for holding a napkin and one or more eating utensils. In one aspect, the apparatus includes a ring structure having an interior region for receiving a napkin therethrough and a first receiving region configured to receive the tool (s), the first receiving region comprising: And a first receiving area delimited by a first holding element on the second side and a second holding element on the second side opposite the first side. The apparatus can include a second receiving area configured to receive the tool, the boundary of the second receiving area being opposite the first holding element on the first side and the first side. And a second holding element on the second side of the side. This receiving area (s) can be located on or next to the ring structure that receives the napkin. The receiving region (s) can have an axis that is parallel to the central axis of the ring structure or an angle that is at an angle to the central axis of the ring structure.

  In another aspect, the present invention is an apparatus for holding a napkin and at least one device, comprising a ring structure, the ring structure receiving an napkin therethrough, and one Or an apparatus defining a first receiving area configured to receive a plurality of devices, the first receiving area being bounded by a first holding element and an optional second holding element Is targeted. The ring structure can further have a base and a top, and the first receiving area is disposed on the opposite side of the base. There may also be a second receiving area. This receiving area (s) can be located on a ring structure that receives the napkin. The receiving region (s) can be an axis parallel to the center axis of the ring structure, an axis that forms an angle with the center axis of the ring structure, or an axis that is perpendicular to the center axis. Can have.

  These and various other features that characterize the present invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. For a better understanding of the napkin ring devices of the present invention, their advantages, their use, and their objectives achieved by their use, the drawings and accompanying drawings in which preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described. Reference must be made to the explanation.

  For many people, the table has a limited space area full of various dishes, glasses, dining utensils and dishes. This space tends to be scarce. The present invention is directed to a device that increases the available free space on a table by combining two common elements into one device that occupies only the space of one of the elements. The present invention is directed to a napkin ring structure or apparatus that also supports meal utensils such as knives, forks, spoons, and chopsticks.

  The napkin ring structure or apparatus of the present invention includes at least one receiving area that supports one or more tools. The tool (s) can be placed on the receiving area while the napkin is present in the ring structure. The receiving area can be located above the napkin or next to the napkin.

  The receiving area is defined by at least one and often two holding elements, each holding element being configured to prevent movement of the implement (s) from the receiving area.

  The napkin ring structure of the present invention can generally have any shape or size suitable for having an interior for receiving a napkin and an area for receiving a tool. The napkin ring structure can have any geometric shape or any abstract shape. Alternatively, the napkin ring structure can be formed into a shape similar to an animal or other natural object, a historical building, or other item. The napkin ring structure or portion thereof can be relatively simple or relatively complex.

  Referring to the drawings wherein like numerals represent like parts throughout the several views, FIGS. 1-3 show a napkin holder according to the present invention. As used herein, terms such as “napkin holder”, “napkin holding device”, “napkin holding structure” are configured to receive a napkin therethrough and receive at least one tool. It is used interchangeably to refer to the entirety of the invention configured to support it. The napkin holder 10 includes a ring structure 12 that receives the napkin therethrough (see FIG. 1). Specifically, the ring structure 12 has a first end 14 and an opposite second end 16. Located between the first end 14 and the second end 16 is an interior space 15 of the ring structure that receives the napkin therein. The internal space 15 has a central axis C that extends from the first end 14 to beyond the first end 14 to the second end 16. The interior space 15 is virtually circular, but other shapes such as oval, obround, elliptical, triagular, and heart-shaped. Is also appropriate. When placed in the interior 15, the napkin extends generally parallel to the central axis C and is on the central axis C.

  The napkin holder 10 includes a base 18 that allows the napkin holder 10 to be placed on a surface such as a table. The napkin holder 10 further includes a top 19 that is generally opposite the base 18. The ring structure 12 is generally disposed between the base 18 and the top 19.

  The napkin holder 10 further includes a receiving area 20 for receiving eating utensils such as knives, forks and chopsticks thereon. A first holding element 22 is located on the first side of the receiving area 20 and a second holding element 24 is located on the opposite side of the receiving area 20 from the first side. The first and second holding elements 22, 24 protrude or extend above the receiving area 20 and delimit the receiving area 20. Both the first holding element 22 and the second holding element 24 are closer to the top 19 than the receiving area 20.

  The device of the present invention is configured so that the napkin can be held by the ring structure and the tool can be placed on the same device at the same time. In each embodiment of the present invention, a napkin is threaded through the interior 15 of the ring structure 12 while a tool is placed in the receiving area 20. The receiving area 20 is bounded by elements such as retaining elements 22, 24 at least on one side, usually on both sides. These elements prevent the tool from slipping, sliding, falling or otherwise moving from the receiving area 20. In many designs in accordance with the present invention, the receiving area 20 is located above the interior 15 that holds the napkin. That is, the interior 15 is disposed closer to the base 18 than the receiving area 20, and the receiving area 20 is disposed closer to the top 19 than the interior 15.

  With continued reference to FIGS. 1-3, a first embodiment of a napkin holder 10 is shown as a napkin holder 100. In this embodiment, the tool is supported at a position parallel to the napkin and away from the napkin.

  The napkin holder 100 has a ring structure 112 having a first end 114 and a second end 116. There is an internal space 115 between the ends 114 and 116, which is generally circular and has a central axis C. The napkin holder 100 further has a base 118 and a top 119. Napkin holder 100 includes a first receiving area 120A and a second receiving area 120B. The first receiving area 120A is defined by the first holding element 122A and the second holding element 124A, and the second receiving area 120B is defined between the first holding element 122B and the second holding element 124B. Is done. Each of the first receiving area 120 </ b> A and the second receiving area 120 </ b> B is disposed on one side surface of the ring structure 112. That is, the ring structure 112 is disposed between the first receiving area 120A and the second receiving area 120B. In other words, the line extending from the first receiving area 120A to the second receiving area 120B is generally perpendicular to the napkin. In this embodiment, the first retaining elements 122A, 122B extend farther from the receiving areas 120A, 120B than the second retaining elements 124A, 124B.

  A first receiving area 120A delimited by the first holding element 122A and the second holding element 124A extends generally parallel to the central axis C. One axis of the first receiving area 120A is indicated by axis R1. A second receiving area 120B delimited by the first holding element 122B and the second holding element 124B extends substantially parallel to the central axis C. One axis of the second receiving area 120B is indicated by the axis R2.

  Receiving areas 120A, 120B and retaining elements 122A, 122B, 124A, 124B are each part of a structure separate from ring structure 112. That is, the piece of material forming the receiving area 120A and the holding elements 122A, 124A and the piece of material forming the receiving area 120B and the holding elements 122B, 124B are different from the piece of material forming the ring structure 112.

  In use, the user places a tool, such as a knife, on the receiving area 120A or receiving area 120B, with the tool positioned along the line indicated as R1 or the line indicated as R2, relative to the central axis C. It will be placed so as to extend almost in parallel. It is generally believed that the tool does not extend to or intersect the central axis C.

  Note that none of the first retaining element 122A, the first retaining element 122B, the second retaining element 124A, and the second retaining element 124B extend above the top 119. That is, the first receiving area 120A having the first holding element 122A and the second holding element 124A, and the second receiving area 120B having the first holding element 122B and the second holding element 124B have the base 118. And the top portion 119.

  With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, a second embodiment of the napkin holder 10 is shown as a napkin holder 200. In this embodiment, the implement is supported in a position above the napkin that is generally parallel to the napkin and generally aligned with the napkin.

  The napkin holder 200 has a ring structure 212 having a first end 214 and a second end 216. Between the ends 214 and 216 is an interior space 215 that is generally obround (ie, a racetrack having straight and parallel sides and radial ends) and has a central axis C. The napkin holder 200 further includes a base 218A, a base 218B, and a top 219. The napkin holder 200 includes a first receiving area 220A and a second receiving area, and the second receiving area has two portions 220B and 220B '. The first receiving area 220A is defined by the first holding element 222A and the second holding element 224A, and the second receiving areas 220B, 220B ′ are the first holding element 222B and the second holding element 224B. Defined between. Receiving areas 220A, 220B, 220B 'and retaining elements 222A, 222B, 224A, 224B are each part of a structure separate from ring structure 212. That is, the piece of material forming the receiving areas 220A, 220B, 220B 'and the retaining elements 222A, 222B, 224A, 224B is different from the piece of material forming the ring structure 212. The first receiving area 220A and the second receiving areas 220B, 220B 'are generally aligned with the central axis C.

  The tool placed on the holder 200 extending from the first receiving area 220A to the second receiving areas 220B, 220B can be on the central axis C or parallel to the central axis C. This axial position is shown as R3. Alternatively, the device can extend at an angle with respect to the central axis C, for example, on a line indicated as R4 or a line indicated as R5. The angle between the axis C and the lines R4, R5 is generally less than 45 degrees, for example 5 degrees to 45 degrees. The tool will be placed above or on at least a portion of the napkin held in the interior space 215.

  The first receiving area 220A and the second receiving areas 220B, 220B ′ having the first holding element 222A, the second holding element 224A, the first holding element 222B, and the second holding element 224B, respectively, have a central axis It extends generally parallel to C or at a small angle to the central axis C. In use, the user extends a tool, such as a knife, over the receiving area 220A and / or receiving areas 220B, 220B ', and the tool extends generally parallel to the central axis C, for example, less than about 45 degrees. Will be placed so that it can intersect the central axis C at an angle of.

In this embodiment, the first holding element 222A and the second holding element 224A extend from the receiving area 220A to approximately the same extent, and the first holding element 222B and the second holding element 224B receive the receiving areas 220B and 220B. It extends from 'to roughly the same extent. Note that first retaining element 222A and second retaining element 224A are tops 219.
In FIGS. 4 and 5, the applicants particularly note that the napkin holder 200 is arranged in the opposite manner to the general method of being placed at the tableware for each person on the table. That is, the second receiving areas 220B and 220B ′ are arranged in front of the first receiving area 220A when viewed from the user seated in front of the tableware for each person.

  With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, a third embodiment of the napkin holder 10 is shown as a napkin holder 300. Similar to the second embodiment, in this embodiment, the tool (s) are supported in a position above the napkin, generally parallel to the napkin, generally aligned with the napkin.

  The napkin holder 300 has a ring structure 312 having a first end 314 and a second end 316. There is an internal space 315 between the ends 314 and 316, which is generally heart-shaped and has a central axis C. The napkin holder 300 further has a base 318 and a top 319. The napkin holder 300 includes a receiving area 320 defined by a first holding element 322 and a second holding element 324. The receiving area 320 is arranged in general alignment with the central axis C. A line indicated as R6 extending through the receiving region 320 is generally parallel to and over at least a portion of the napkin. In use, a user may place a tool, such as a knife, on the receiving area 320 that extends generally parallel to the central axis C and intersects the central axis C at an angle of, for example, about 45 degrees or less. I will put it in place. The tool will generally be located above the napkin held in the space 315.

In this embodiment, the first retaining element 322 and the second retaining element 324 extend from the receiving area 320 to approximately the same extent. The receiving area 320 and the retaining elements 322, 324 are each part of the ring structure 312 and form the outer surface of the ring structure 312. The first holding element 322 and the second holding element 324 are the top 319.
With reference to FIGS. 8-10, a fourth embodiment of the napkin holder 10 is shown as a napkin holder 400. In this embodiment, the tool is supported in a position that intersects the napkin, generally perpendicular to the napkin.

  The napkin holder 400 has a ring structure 412 having a first end 414 and a second end 416. There is an internal space 415 between the ends 414 and 416, and the internal space 415 is generally a trapezoid with rounded corners and has a central axis C. The napkin holder 400 further has a base 418 and a top 419. The napkin holder 400 includes a receiving area 420 defined by a first holding element 422 and a second holding element 424. The receiving area 420 is arranged substantially perpendicular to the central axis C. A line R7 extending through the receiving area 420 is generally perpendicular to the napkin and the central axis C and intersects the napkin and the central axis C. In use, the user will place a tool, such as a knife, on the receiving area 420 such that the tool extends generally perpendicular to the central axis C and intersects the central axis C. The tool will generally be located above the napkin held in the space 415.

In this embodiment, the first retaining element 422 and the second retaining element 424 extend from the receiving area 420 to approximately the same extent. The receiving area 420 and the retaining elements 422, 424 are each part of the ring structure 412 and form the outer surface of the ring structure 412. At one end, the first retaining element 422 and the second retaining element 424 are the top 419.
With reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, a fifth embodiment of the napkin holder 10 is shown as a napkin holder 500. Similar to the fourth embodiment, the tool is supported at a position that is generally perpendicular to the napkin and intersects the napkin.

  The napkin holder 500 has a ring structure 512 having a first end 514 and a second end 516. Between the ends 514 and 516 is an internal space 515 that is generally circular and has a central axis C. The napkin holder 500 further has a base 518 and a top 519. The napkin holder 500 includes a receiving area 520 defined by a first holding element 522 and a second holding element 524. The receiving area 520 is disposed generally perpendicular to the central axis C, and the receiving area 520 is located above the napkin when the napkin is held in the ring structure 512. In use, the user places a tool, such as a knife, on the receiving area 520 such that the tool extends generally perpendicular to the central axis C along line R8 and intersects the central axis C. Become. The line R8 can be perpendicular to the central axis C (ie, 90 degrees with respect to the central axis C), or can be at an angle of about 45 degrees with respect to the central axis C. The tool will generally be located above the napkin held in the space 515.

  In this embodiment, the first retaining element 522 and the second retaining element 524 extend from the receiving area 520 to approximately the same extent. The receiving area 520 and the retaining elements 522, 524 are each part of the ring structure 512 and form the outer surface of the ring structure 512. The first holding element 522 and the second holding element 524 are the top 519.

  With reference to FIGS. 13-15, a sixth embodiment of the napkin holder 10 is shown as a napkin holder 600. The napkin holder 600 is similar to a lobster or crayfish. In this embodiment, the tool is supported at a position of about 45 degrees relative to the napkin. Depending on where it is placed on the holder 600, the tool crosses the napkin or does not cross the napkin.

  Similar to previous embodiments, the napkin holder 600 has a ring structure 612 having a first end 614 and a second end 616. There is an internal space 615 between the ends 614 and 616, and the internal space 615 has a central axis C. The internal space 615 is generally circular. The napkin holder 600 further has a base 618 and a top 619. The napkin holder 600 includes a first receiving area 620A and a second receiving area 620B. The receiving areas 620A and 620B are areas between the lobster scissors and the head. The first receiving area 620A is defined by the first holding element 622A and the second holding element 624A, and the second receiving area 620B is defined between the first holding element 622B and the second holding element 624B. Is done. With respect to this lobster, the first holding elements 622A, 622B are scissors and the two receiving areas 620A, 620B share one second holding element 624, which is the area of the lobster's body head.

  The first receiving area 620A and the second receiving area 620B are each disposed approximately on one side of the ring structure 612. Unlike the first embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3, the first receiving region 620 </ b> A and the second receiving region 620 </ b> B have a ring structure in which a line connecting the regions 620 </ b> A and 620 </ b> B is between the end 614 and the end 616. Arranged so as not to cross the object 612. The line extending from the first receiving area 620A to the second receiving area 620B is generally perpendicular to the napkin. In this embodiment, the first retaining element 622A, 622B extends farther beyond the receiving area 620A, 620B than the second retaining element 624.

  A first receiving area 620A and a second receiving area 620B having a first holding element 622A, 622B and a second holding element 624 are received extending at an angle of about 5 to 45 degrees with respect to the central axis C. Has an axis. In use, a user places a tool, such as a knife, on receiving area 620A or receiving area 620B so as to extend generally parallel to central axis C or at a small angle to central axis C. It will be. The device generally does not extend or intersect the central axis C, but is considered to be generally above the napkin held in the space 615. Note that none of the first retaining elements 622A, 622B extends above the top 619 and the retaining element 624 is the top 619.

  The receiving areas 620A, 620B and the retaining elements 622A, 622B are not part of the ring structure 612, which are formed from the same piece of material and removed from the ring structure 612. However, the retaining element 624 is part of the ring structure 612.

  The napkin ring structure 10 according to the present invention can be fabricated from any suitable material, examples of which include ceramic and clay, plastic, wood, stone, granite and marble, metal and combinations of these materials. Is included. The napkin ring structure 10 must be sufficiently stiff to maintain its shape with its weight and the weight of one or more tools added.

The napkin ring structure 10 can have any color, texture, or can have other visible indications. For example, indicia such as printed designs, characters, and logos can be given to the surface of the ring structure 10.
However, even though the above description describes numerous features and advantages of the present disclosure, along with details of the structure and function of the disclosure, such disclosure is merely exemplary and is not It is to be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is intended except as by the appended claims. The present invention is not limited to the described embodiments, or is limited to use with a particular type of mediator, or limited to the use of specific components, configurations or materials described herein. Not. All alternative modifications and variations of the invention that fall within the broad scope of the appended claims are covered.

It is a perspective view of the napkin holding device of the present invention. It is a front view of the napkin holding device of FIG. It is a top view of the napkin holding device of FIG. It is a front view of 2nd Embodiment of the napkin holding | maintenance apparatus based on this invention. It is a top view of the napkin holding device of FIG. It is a front view of 3rd Embodiment of the napkin holding | maintenance apparatus based on this invention. It is a top view of the napkin holding device of FIG. It is a front view of 4th Embodiment of the napkin holding | maintenance apparatus based on this invention. It is a top view of the napkin holding device of FIG. It is a side view of the napkin holding device of FIG. It is a front view of 5th Embodiment of the napkin holding | maintenance apparatus based on this invention. It is a top view of the napkin holding device of FIG. It is a top view of 6th Embodiment of the napkin holding | maintenance apparatus based on this invention. It is a side view of the napkin holding device of FIG. It is a front view of the napkin holding device of FIG.

Claims (14)

A device for holding a napkin and one or more tools,
A ring structure having an internal region for receiving a napkin therethrough;
A first receiving area configured to receive one or more devices, a first holding element on a first side and a second on a second side opposite to the first side; And a first receiving area bounded by a retaining element.   And a second receiving area configured to receive the device, wherein the second receiving area boundary is a first holding element on a first side and a second on the opposite side of the first side. The device of claim 1, defined by a second retaining element on the side.   The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the ring structure is disposed between the first receiving area and the second receiving area.   The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first receiving area is on an outer surface of the ring structure.   The ring structure has a central axis, the first receiving area has a receiving axis aligned with the first holding element and the second holding element, and the receiving axis is relative to the central axis The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is parallel.   The ring structure has a central axis, the first receiving area has a receiving axis aligned with the first holding element and the second holding element, and the receiving axis is located on the central axis The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is at an angle of 5 degrees to 45 degrees relative to. A device for holding a napkin and one or more tools,
A ring structure, the ring structure comprising:
(A) an internal area for receiving a napkin through it;
(B) an apparatus defining a first receiving area configured to receive one or more devices, the first receiving area being delimited by a first holding element;   The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the ring structure further includes a base and a top, and the first receiving area is disposed on an opposite side of the base.   The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the first retaining element includes the top.   The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the boundary of the first receiving area is defined by a second holding element opposite the first holding element.   The apparatus of claim 10, wherein at least one of the first holding element and the second holding element includes the top.   The ring structure has a central axis, the first receiving area has a receiving axis aligned with the first holding element, and the receiving axis is parallel to the central axis. 8. The apparatus according to 7.   The ring structure has a central axis, the first receiving area has a receiving axis aligned with the first holding element, and the receiving axis is about 5 to 45 degrees with respect to the central axis. The device of claim 7, wherein   The ring structure has a central axis, the first receiving area has a receiving axis aligned with the first holding element, and the receiving axis is generally perpendicular to the central axis. 8. The apparatus according to 7.

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